Programmable Multi-Waveform RF Generator for Use as Battlefield Decoy

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a portable electronic signal generator, and in particular a programmable multi-waveform radiofrequency generator for use as battlefield decoy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D

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REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

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STATEMENT RE PRIOR DISCLOSURES

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a portable electronic signal generator, and inparticular a programmable multi-waveform radiofrequency generator.

Description of the Related Art

Modern military formations use a variety of electronic devices, and, asa result, modern military formations emit a variety of electromagneticsignals.

It is well-known that military assets can be tracked and/or targeted bycapturing the electromagnetic signals of such assets or formations, andtriangulating, using two or more receivers, the location where thetarget signals are being generated.

Electronic equipment uses different signal frequencies, signalamplitudes, and signal power depending on the equipment being used. Thespecific characteristics are known as the electronic signature of adevice. Hand-held communication equipment, radar equipment, motors,engines, and so forth each has their own electronic signature.

Furthermore, a collection of electronic equipment, can also have its owncollective signature. Modern militaries are aware of the exact type ofelectronic equipment used by their allies and adversaries, including thesignal characteristics, the quantity of certain types of signals, thetiming and use of certain types of signals, and so forth. Accordingly,it is possible to detect the exact type of military formation, theirsize, their equipment, their location, and their movement by receivingand analyzing the electromagnetic signature of such a formation.Electronic warfare specialists can tell if a military unit is anartillery unit, a mechanized unit, or a ground troop formation.

Past airborne decoy systems involved the dispersal of physical chaff.More recently, sophisticated RF targeting by missiles and artillerydemanded the next first generation of expendable electronic activedecoys. However, these expendable active decoys were limited togenerating a signal for a single aircraft. The first operational EAD wasthe Primed Oscillator Expendable Transponder (POET) developed by the USand first produced in 1978. This device evolved to become the GenericExpendable Decoy (GEN-X) which was developed in the mid to late 1980's.Due to the technology available at the time these devices had limitedcapability.

During the late 1980s the Towed Radar Decoy (TRD) was developed. Theseprovide higher jammer powers and have much greater capability becausethe jamming waveform is generated by a large and complex DigitalRFMemory (DRFM) based jammer on-board the aircraft. The jamming signalis then fed to the decoy via an optical fibre in the tow cable. This hasbeen the preferred active off board ECM solution for the last 20 years.

More recently a system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,049,656 B2 has beenproposed. This decoy is disclosed as an expendable, stand-alone,off-board Electronic Counter-Measure system, airborne RF decoy aimed toprovide airborne platforms with protection against multiple radar-basedthreats including Air-to-Air and Surface-to-Air missiles both active andsemi-active ones by providing the mechanical outline of standard chaffand flare decoys, is ejected from any platform by pyrotechnic elements,and deceives enemy radar-based threats by acquiring illuminating radarsignals and then altering the received signals to generate an authenticfalse target and transmitting a deceiving signal towards the radarthreat. However, these expendable active decoys are limited togenerating a signal for a single aircraft.

Accordingly, there is a need to be able to electronically protect largeformations from being electronically identified, targeted, and attacked.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to address these and other problems in this art, the inventiondescribed and claimed herein provides a device that can be used toestablish battlefield decoys that electronically emit the same orsimilar electronic signature as a military asset or military formation.

Accordingly, the invention provides in on non-limiting preferredembodiment a battlefield decoy, comprising: (1) an RF housing with aradio-opaque chassis disposed within the RF housing; (2) a System on aChip (SOC) mounted within the radio-opaque chassis, said SOC having FPGAprogrammable logic, an application processing unit, a real-timeprocessing unit, a platform management unit, a cybersecurity unit, amemory controller connected to local DDR memory, and a peripheralcontroller connected to peripheral components; (3) software programmingcode for simultaneously transmitting a set of at least four (4)battlefield waveforms, said battlefield waveforms contained in the SOC,said code including a library of saved battlefield waveforms selectedfrom the group consisting of (3.1) modern software defined radio (SDR)waveform, (3.2) CDL (Common Data Link), (3.3) TCDL (Tactical CDL), (3.4)Bandwidth-Efficient CDL, (3.5) Digital Data Link (DDL), (3.6) HarrisAdaptive Networking Wideband (ANW2) Waveform, (3.7) Harris AN/PRC-117Gradio 30 MHz-2 GHz waveform (ANW2), (3.8) Harris AN/PRC-152A waveform,(3.9) DDL, (3.10) MAGTF CLT, (3.11) USA BCT, (3.12) Soldier RadioWaveform (SRW), (3.13) SRW narrowband by Harris and TrellisWare, (3.14)Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW), (3.15) MUOS satellite waveform,(3.16) Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) at30-87.975 MHz e.g. at 111 hops per second, (3.17) the HAVE QUICK-I/IIwaveform having 225 MHz to 400 MHz waveband, (3.18) UHF 300 MHz-3 GHz,(3.19) VHF 30 MHZ-300 MHz, (3.20) broadband Mobile Ad Hoc Networking(MANET) waveform, (3.21) Wide Band Networking Radio Waveform (WBNR),(3.22) European Secure Software Radio (ESSOR), and (3.23) CoalitionWideband Networking Waveform (COALWNW); (4) a re-programming module forchanging from a first battlefield waveform signature set to a secondbattlefield waveform signature set contained in the SOC; (5) an RFmodule contained in the SOC for controlling RF components in the RFhousing; (6) a spectrum manager module contained in the SOC forcommunicating with a spectrum manager in the network to allocate andcoordinate non-interfering battlefield communication channels; (7) aGPS-denied network clocking synchronizer module contained in the SOC formaintaining network clock synchronization in a GPS-denied environment;(8) a transmission scheduler module contained in the SOC for setting aschedule of transmission start times and transmission durations; (9) anRF system mounted within the RF housing, said RF system havingcomponents selected from at least one antenna operationally connected toa duplexer, a power amplifier, a band pass filter, a mixer, a localoscillator, an intermediate frequency filter, a modulator, a basebandprocessor, a demodulator, a second intermediate frequency filter, asecond mixer, a second local oscillator, a low noise amplifier, and asecond band pass filter; (10) a network interface controller connectedto the SOC; (11) a GPS receiver with integrated GPS antenna, connectedto the SOC; and (12) a power supply.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a programmablebattlefield decoy that further comprises a second System on a Chip thatis configured in parallel to the (first) System on a Chip but ispositioned away from the first System on a Chip and at a differentorientation to provide RF hardening redundancy.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a programmablebattlefield decoy wherein the RF components are implemented in aSoftware Defined Radio (SDR) as a software module on a personal computeror as an embedded System on a Chip.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a programmablebattlefield decoy wherein the re-programming module for changing from afirst waveform signature to a second waveform signature is operativelyconnected to a waveform update module that is configurable by receivingupdated waveforms by direct hardware link through a update port in thehousing, or by a wireless link through a wireless transceiver.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a programmablebattlefield decoy that has a small form factor housing that is no largerin dimension than 14″×6″×6″.

In another preferred embodiment, the battlefield decoy comprises arepeater module having programming code to receive and re-transmit aspecific waveform or signal pattern as a bent-pipe repeater withoutadditional digital signal processing.

In another preferred embodiment, the battlefield decoy comprises arepeater module having programming code to receive, process, andre-transmit a specific waveform or signal pattern, wherein saidprocessing comprises demodulation-remodulation using a MODEM,decompression-recompression using a CODEC, decryption-re-encryption,noise reduction using a filter or software to reduce or eliminate noise,and amplification.

In another preferred embodiment, the battlefield decoy comprises whereinthe non-antenna RF components including duplexer, power amplifier, bandpass filter, mixer, local oscillator, intermediate frequency filter,modulator, baseband processor, demodulator, second intermediatefrequency filter, second mixer, second local oscillator, low noiseamplifier, and second band pass filter, are implemented in the System onChip (SOC).

In another preferred embodiment, the battlefield decoy comprises an SoCthat is a Xilinx Zynq-7000 or 7000S device having a single-core ARMCortex™-A9 processor mated with 28 nm Artix®-7 or Kintex®-7 basedprogrammable logic, at least one 6.25 Gb/s to 12.5 Gb/s transceiver, andhardened peripherals.

In another preferred embodiment, the battlefield decoy comprises an SoCthat is an MPSoC having an Application Processing Unit Quad Arm A53 incommunication with an FPGA programmable logic chip, the FPGAprogrammable logic chip is in communication with a Real Time ProcessingUnit Dual Arm R5, a Platform Management Unit and a Cyber SecurityUnit/Module, the FPGA programmable logic chip is also in communicationwith peripheral controllers for peripherals, and with memory controllersfor multiple DDR modules.

In another preferred embodiment, the battlefield decoy comprises an SoCthat is configured as a High Intermediate Frequency (IF) HeterodyneReceiver connected to a Direct RF Sampling receiver having an allprogrammable RFSoC with a DDC connected to a RFADC, wherein a LocalOscillator (LO) feeds a signal into an RF A-D converter which is incommunication with a bandwidth Phase Filter (BPF) and an Anti-AliasingFilter (AAF), the BPF and AAF feed into a low noise amplifier (LNA)which is connected to an antenna assembly.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a Method fordeploying a battlefield decoy comprising the step: (i) selecting thetype of military formation that a user wishes to emulate from a menuhaving a selection of battlefield waveform signature sets, at least oneof said battlefield waveform signature sets comprising at least four (4)battlefield waveforms; (ii) selecting a battlefield waveform signatureset; (iii) pre-selecting an alternate battlefield waveform signature setfor fast re-programming; (iv) selecting the duration and periodicity ofsignal transmission of the battlefield waveform signature set; (v)selecting the type of desired signal characteristics such as the controlchannel used for encryption and the type of encryption such as AES/DES;and (vi) deploying the activated decoy to the field and running anynetworking and collaboration routines/programming to establish thedesired global or system-wide arrangement of decoys.

In another preferred embodiment, the method is performed using thebattlefield decoy of claimed herein.

In another preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the stepof performing a spectrum interference scan by executing software code ina spectrum manager module contained in the SOC for communicating with aspectrum manager in the network to allocate and coordinatenon-interfering battlefield communication channels.

In another preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the stepof performing a GPS availability scan by executing software code in aGPS-denied network clocking synchronizer module contained in the SOC formaintaining network clock synchronization in a GPS-denied environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one non-limiting example of a single decoyunit having multiple antennas and mounted on a foldable tripod base.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the generic components ofthe system of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram that illustrates an example of a Userinteraction in setting up one of the devices of the system.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one non-limiting example of a single decoyunit having articulating tripod legs and multiple antennas.

FIG. 5 is non-limiting example of an electrical block diagram of an RFdecoy of the invention.

FIG. 6 is non-limiting example of a layout of the RF board inside an RFdecoy of the invention.

FIG. 7 is non-limiting example of a depicts a top view and a bottom viewlayout of the digital board inside an RF decoy of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a graphic illustration of an example of an electromagnetic(EM) footprint of a set of hypothetical U.S. units, before the inventivedecoy device is deployed.

FIG. 9 is a graphic illustration of an example of an electromagnetic(EM) footprint of a set of hypothetical U.S. units combined with thedeployment of eight (8) decoy devices.

FIG. 10 is a multi-part series of four (4) graphic illustrations of anexample of an electromagnetic (EM) footprint of a set of hypotheticalU.S. units combined with the an increasing number of deployed decoydevices and shows the decreasing chances by percentage that a friendlyunit will be successfully targeted when an increasing number of decoysare used.

FIG. 11 is a multi-part series of four (4) graphic illustrations of anexample of an electromagnetic (EM) footprint of a set of hypotheticalU.S. units combined with the an increasing number of deployed decoydevices and shows the increasing chances by percentage that a friendlyunit will successfully evade targeting when an increasing number ofdecoys are used.

FIG. 12 is a integrated circuit chip block diagram for a Zynq-7000Sdevice and shows a single-core ARM Cortex™-A9 processor mated with 28 nmArtix®-7 based programmable logic, 6.25 Gb/s transceivers and outfittedwith commonly used hardened peripherals.

FIG. 13 is a integrated circuit chip block diagram for a XilinxZynq-7000 device and shows dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processors integratedwith 28 nm Artix-7 or Kintex®-7 based programmable logic, up to 6.6Mlogic cells, and with transceivers ranging from 6.25 Gb/s to 12.5 Gb/s.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a block diagram in accordance with thepresent invention. FIG. 14 shows an MPSoC having an ApplicationProcessing Unit Quad Arm A53 in communication with an FPGA programmablelogic chip. The FPGA programmable logic chip is in communication with aReal Time Processing Unit Dual Arm R5, and a Platform Management Unitand a Cyber Security Unit/Module. The FPGA programmable logic is also incommunication with peripheral controllers for peripherals, and withmemory controllers for multiple DDR modules.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a circuit diagram in accordance with thepresent invention. FIG. 15 shows a High Intermediate Frequency (IF)Heterodyne Receiver connected to a Direct RF Sampling receiver having anall programmable RFSoC with a DDC connected to a RFADC. The LocalOscillator (LO) feeds a signal into the RF A-D converter which is incommunication with a bandwidth Phase Filter (BPF) and an Anti-AliasingFilter (AAF). The BPF and AAF feed into the low noise amplifier (LNA)which is connected to the antenna assembly.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a electronics chassis used in the decoy ofthe present invention.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing operating frequencies of commercial cellulartransmissions compared to battlefield waveforms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingembodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings anddetailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-knowncomponents and processing techniques are omitted so as to notunnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used hereinare intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which theembodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skillin the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examplesshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventionto those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to limit the full scope of theinvention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as anadmission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are notentitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Asused in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but notlimited to.”

Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from itsspirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of thedisclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope ofthe appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by theterms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalentsto which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that thisdisclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds,compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It isalso to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art thatvirtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or morealternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings,should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including oneof the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, thephrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A”or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are describedin terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and allpurposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, allranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subrangesand combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easilyrecognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range beingbroken down into at least equal subparts. As will be understood by oneskilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

Definitions

The phrase “radiofrequency or RF components” refers to antenna(s),duplexer, power amplifier, bandpass filter, 1st mixer, 1st LocalOscillator, intermediate frequency filter, modem, baseband processor, 2dIF filter, 2d mixer, 2d LO, Low Noise Amplifier, 2d BP filter, andoptionally may include one or more accelerometers, codec, GPS unit, andrepeaters.

The phrase “System on Chip”, or SoC, refers to an integrated circuitchip that integrates all or most of the components of a computer orelectronic system. SoC usually includes (i) one or more microcontroller,microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP) core(s), (ii) memoryblocks including a selection of ROM, RAM, EEPROM and flash memory, (iii)timing sources/clock signal generators, including oscillators andphase-locked loops to control execution of SoC functions, (iv)peripherals including counter-timers, real-time timers and power-onreset generators, (v) external interfaces and programming forcommunication protocols including WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, USB,FireWire, Ethernet, USART, SPI, and HDMI, (vi) analog interfacesincluding analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters,(vii) voltage regulators and power management circuits, and/or (viii) acomputer bus to connect the different components, also called “blocks”,of the System-on-Chip, and/or (ix) direct memory access controllers toroute data directly between external interfaces and memory, bypassingthe CPU or control unit, thereby increasing the data throughput (theamount of data processed per time) of the SoC.

Waveform Processing Example—SoC Xilinx Zynq

Xilinx SoCs are processor-centric platforms that offer software,hardware and I/O programmability in a single chip. The Zynq-7000 familyis based on the SoC architecture. Zynq-7000 products incorporate a dualcore ARM Cortex-A9 based Processing System (PS) and Xilinx ProgrammableLogic in a single device.

Waveform Processing Example—Xilinx Zynq-7000S

Zynq-7000S devices feature a single-core ARM Cortex™-A9 processor matedwith 28 nm Artix®-7 based programmable logic, 6.25 Gb/s transceivers andoutfitted with commonly used hardened peripherals.

Waveform Processing Example—Xilinx Zynq-7000

Zynq-7000 devices are equipped with dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processorsintegrated with 28 nm Artix-7 or Kintex®-7 based programmable logic, upto 6.6M logic cells, and with transceivers ranging from 6.25 Gb/s to12.5 Gb/s.

The phrase “RF generator” refers to an electronic component capable ofgenerating, transmitting, and/or receiving radiofrequency communicationsignals of varying types. In one embodiment, the RF generator cangenerate 3-4 waveforms to mimic military communications. In non-limitingpreferred embodiments, the waveforms include modern software definedradio (SDR) waveforms, CDL (Common Data Link), TCDL (Tactical CDL),Bandwidth-Efficient CDL, Digital Data Link (DDL), Harris AdaptiveNetworking Wideband (ANW2) Waveform, Harris AN/PRC-117G radio 30 MHz-2GHz waveform (ANW2), Harris AN/PRC-152A waveform, MAGTF CLT, USA BCT,Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW), SRW narrowband by Harris and TrellisWare,Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW), MUOS satellite waveform, SingleChannel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) at 30-87.975 MHze.g. at 111 hops per second, the HAVE QUICK-I/II waveform having 225 MHzto 400 MHz waveband, UHF 300 MHz-3 GHz, VHF 30 MHZ-300 MHz, broadbandMobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) waveform, and Wide Band NetworkingRadio Waveform (WBNR), European Secure Software Radio (ESSOR), andCoalition Wideband Networking Waveform (COALWNW).

Example—CDL Waveform

Common Data Link (CDL) is a secure U.S. military communicationsprotocol. It was established by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1991as the U.S. military's primary protocol for imagery and signalsintelligence. CDL operates within the Ku band at data rates up to 274Mbit/s. CDL allows for full duplex data exchange. CDL signals aretransmitted, received, synchronized, routed, and simulated by Commondata link (CDL) Interface Boxes (CIBs).

Example—Tactical CDL Waveform

The Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) is a secure data link beingdeveloped by the U.S. military to send secure data and streaming videolinks from airborne platforms to ground stations. The TCDL can acceptdata from many different sources, then encrypt, multiplex, encode,transmit, demultiplex, and route this data at high speeds. It uses a Kunarrowband uplink that is used for both payload and vehicle control, anda wideband downlink for data transfer. The TCDL uses both directionaland omnidirectional antennas to transmit and receive the Ku band signal.The TCDL is designed for UAVs, specifically the MQ-8B Fire Scout, aswell as manned non-fighter environments. The TCDL transmits radar,imagery, video, and other sensor information at rates from 1.544 Mbit/sto 10.7 Mbit/s over ranges of 200 km. It has a bit error rate of 10e-6with COMSEC and 10e-8 without COMSEC. It is also intended that the TCDLwill in time support the required higher CDL rates of 45, 137, and 274Mbit/s.

Example—DDL Waveform

The Army developed digital data link (DDL) system for use in unmannedaircraft systems (UAVs). The DDL design incorporates aspects of asoftware-defined radio with the ability to “field-select” the frequencyband in which to operate, the channel frequency within that band, thebandwidth of each channel, and the radiated power level.

Example—SRW Waveform

The Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) supports a discrete a set ofbandwidths, has a frequency range from 225 MHz to 420 MHz; and from1.350 GHz to 2.500 GHz, has a maximum data rate of 2 Mbps, and uses amultiple access channel (MAC) method of hybrid CSMA/TDMA.

Example—WNW Waveform

The Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW) uses a selection of operatingmodes including Orthogonal Frequency Domain Multiple Access (OFDM-WB)mode, Anti-jam (WB) mode, BEAM (NB) mode, and LPI/LPD (Low Probabilityof Intercept/Detection—spread) mode, has a Frequency Range from 225 to420 MHz; 1.350 to 1.390 GHZ 1.755 to 1.850 GHz, has a Maximum data rateof 5 Mbps, and uses MAC method USAP/TDMA.

Example—ANW2

The Harris Networking Waveform (ANW2) has a range of bandwidths from 500KHz to 5 MHz, a range of data rates up tp 10 Mbps

RF generators may also be equipped to include cellular signals and theirgraphically visible waveforms, such as LTE, TDMA, FDMA, CDMA, WiMax,HSPA+, EV-DO, etc.

The term “RF”, as used herein, is intended to be understood in its broadsense as including he full spectrum of radio frequencies from about 1megahertz (MHz) to about 300 gigahertz (GHz).

The term “decoy” as used herein refers to a device that generates falseRF signals that look like the collective signal signature of a group,the electronic “chatter” that is generated by a military formation suchas a military command (>100,000 persons), a corps (20,000-50,000), adivision (6000-20,000), a brigade/regiment (3000-5000), a battalion(300-1000), a company/squadron/battery (80-250), a platoon/troop(26-55), a section/patrol (12-24), a squad (8-12), or a team (2-4). Theterm decoy as used herein does not refer to a physical structure thatgives a false radar signature, or to an electronic reflector/transmitterthat transmits a false radar signature of a physical structure.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an illustration of onenon-limiting example of a single decoy unit having multiple antennas andmounted on a base having foldable support legs. FIG. 1 shows basesupport leg(s) 102 attached to folding hinge connector 104 to connectthe support leg(s) 102 to the extendable central support post 106. Themain electronics housing 108 is mounted on top of the central supportpost 106, and the antenna(s) 110, 112 and control knob 118 are mountedon top of the housing 108. Pedestal footer 114 is attached to the bottomof central support post 106. Battery 116 is stored within central cavity122 inside of the hollow cylinder of central support post 106. Battery116 supplies power to the RF components 120 and SOC 124 via power supply126. The RF components 120 include antenna interface, duplexer, poweramplifier, BP filter, 1st mixer, 1st LO, IF filter, ADC, modem/DSP, DAC,baseband processor, 2d IF filter, 2d mixer, 2d LO, LNA, and 2d BPfilter—notionally represented as RF circuit/electronics 140. The RFcomponents may also optionally include memory 128, networkcard-ports-processor 130, accelerometer, a CODEC, a GPS receiver andprocessor 132, repeater, network antenna 134, GPS-denied networkclocking synchronizer 136, pre-programmed remote activation scheduler138, and duplicate, redundant electronic pathways and circuitry to makethe unit radiation-hardened. In one preferred embodiment, the RFcomponents are provided using a System on Chip (SoC). The SoC mayinclude one or more processor(s), memory, I/O, storage, WiFi moduleprogramming for transmit-receive RF module, waveform signature(s)module, RF control module, and a power supply module.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the generic components ofthe system of the invention. FIG. 2 shows in a non-limiting example, thesystem may comprise a housing 202, RF components 204, an RF generator208, antennas 206, processing such as a System on Chip 210, and a powersource 212. The housing 202 includes external controls, I/O ports,antenna ports, a display screen, and stabilizer supports (legs). The RFcomponents 204 include antenna interface, duplexer, power amplifier, BPfilter, 1st mixer, 1st LO, IF filter, ADC, modem/DSP, DAC, basebandprocessor, 2d IF filter, 2d mixer, 2d LO, LNA, and 2d BP filter. The RFcomponents may also optionally include memory, networkcard-ports-processor, accelerometer, a CODEC, a GPS receiver andprocessor, repeater, and duplicate, redundant electronic pathways andcircuitry to make the unit radiation-hardened. The System on Chip (SoC)210 includes processor(s), memory, I/O, storage, WiFi module programmingfor transmit- receive RF module, waveform signature(s) module, RFcontrol module, and a power supply module.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram that illustrates an example of a Userinteraction in setting up one of the devices of the system. FIG. 3 showsin a non-limiting example, the process may comprise the steps of (i)selecting the type of military formation that a user wishes to emulate302, (ii) selecting the type of waveform that is representative of thosetypes of formations from a programmed sub-menu 304, (iii) pre-selectingalternate waveforms for fast re-programming 312, (iv) selecting theduration and periodicity of signal transmission 306, (v) selecting thetype of desired signal characteristics such as the control channel usedfor encryption and the type of encryption such as AES/DES 308, and (vi)deploying the activated decoy to the field and running any networkingand collaboration routines/programming to establish the desired globalor system-wide arrangement of decoys 310.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one non-limiting example of a single decoyunit having articulating tripod legs and multiple antennas. FIG. 4 showsan example unit that has a “pop-up” storage and deployment feature wherethe unit is stored in a closed cannister configuration, and is activatedby sliding the bottom footer 402 away from the decoy body 404 anddeploying the articulating stabilizer legs 406. This example shows adevice have two different types of antennas 408, 410, two control knobs412, 414, a display window 416 in a cylindrical housing 404 having acenter post 418 for sliding the unit between the open and closedpositions, a circular base or footer 402, and multiple (3-6)articulating legs 406 that each have a contact pad 420 connected to anadjustment arm 422 that is (slidably) connected to a vertical supportmember 424 mounted within the cylinder of the housing.

FIG. 5 is non-limiting example of a generic electrical block diagram ofan RF decoy of the invention. FIG. 5 shows an antenna 502, a battery504, antenna interface 506, and receiver module 508. Digital RadioFrequency Modulation and other DSP processing is handled at generator510. Waveform external control module 512 and WiFi and GPA locationmodule 514 are shown in communication with generator system 510.Repeater unit 516 and rad-hard redundancy module 518 are shown also incommunication with generator system 510. Transmitter 520 is in circuitand any transmission signal is transferred to the antenna 502 throughinterface 506.

FIG. 6 is non-limiting example of a layout of the RF board inside an RFdecoy of the invention. FIG. 6 shows antenna 602 attached to antennainterface and/or duplexer 604. Antenna interface 604 on the receivechannel connects to a low noise amplifier 606, a band pass filter 608and a LO/balanced mixer 610. The transmit channel includes aDSP/synthesizer unit 612 and a processor unit 614 that may containADC/DAC, MODEM, and other secondary DSP aspects, including I/O outputsat 614. The transmit channel then continues with the second LO/balancedmixer 618, optional phase shifter or IF filter 620, a band pass filter622, a high power amplifier 624 and then back to the antenna interface604/switch.

FIG. 7 is non-limiting example of a top view and a bottom view layout ofan example of a digital board inside an RF decoy of the invention. FIG.7 shows an example of a layout of the Digital Board including digitalprocessors, analog to digital converters, digital to analog converters,memory units and programmable gate arrays. The real time software thatcontrols the mission of the RF decoy resides in this Digital Board.

FIG. 8 is a graphic illustration of an example of an electromagnetic(EM) footprint of a set of hypothetical U.S. units, before the inventivedecoy device is deployed.

FIG. 9 is a graphic illustration of an example of an electromagnetic(EM) footprint of a set of hypothetical U.S. units combined with thedeployment of eight (8) decoy devices.

FIG. 10 is a multi-part series of four (4) graphic illustrations of anexample of an electromagnetic (EM) footprint of a set of hypotheticalU.S. units combined with the an increasing number of deployed decoydevices and shows the decreasing chances by percentage that a friendlyunit will be successfully targeted when an increasing number of decoysare used.

FIG. 11 is a multi-part series of four (4) graphic illustrations of anexample of an electromagnetic (EM) footprint of a set of hypotheticalU.S. units combined with the an increasing number of deployed decoydevices and shows the increasing chances by percentage that a friendlyunit will successfully evade targeting when an increasing number ofdecoys are used.

FIG. 12 is a integrated circuit chip block diagram for a Zynq-7000Sdevice and shows a single-core ARM Cortex™-A9 processor mated with 28 nmArtix®-7 based programmable logic, 6.25 Gb/s transceivers and outfittedwith commonly used hardened peripherals.

FIG. 13 is a integrated circuit chip block diagram for a XilinxZynq-7000 device and shows dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processors integratedwith 28 nm Artix-7 or Kintex®-7 based programmable logic, up to 6.6Mlogic cells, and with transceivers ranging from 6.25 Gb/s to 12.5 Gb/s.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a block diagram in accordance with thepresent invention. FIG. 14 shows an MPSoC having an ApplicationProcessing Unit Quad Arm A53 in communication with an FPGA programmablelogic chip. The FPGA programmable logic chip is in communication with aReal Time Processing Unit Dual Arm R5, and a Platform Management Unitand a Cyber Security Unit/Module. The FPGA programmable logic is also incommunication with peripheral controllers for peripherals, and withmemory controllers for multiple DDR modules.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a circuit diagram in accordance with thepresent invention. FIG. 15 shows a High Intermediate Frequency (IF)Heterodyne Receiver connected to a Direct RF Sampling receiver having anall programmable RFSoC with a DDC connected to a RFADC. The LocalOscillator (LO) feeds a signal into the RF A-D converter which is incommunication with a bandwidth Phase Filter (BPF) and an Anti-AliasingFilter (AAF). The BPF and AAF feed into the low noise amplifier (LNA)wich is connected to the antenna assembly.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an electronics chassis in accordance withthe present invention. FIG. 16 shows chassis laying on its side andviewing down the interior cavity from the top end towards the bottomend. The chassis is configured as a rectangular open-ended box havingfour side panels.

Three of the four exterior side panels have an array of longitudinalradiative fins running the length of the chassis from top to bottom. Thefourth exterior side panel is smooth and includes openings for input,output, control, access, and so forth. The interior of the chassisincludes ribs and channels for mounting the RF components and otherelectronics. The radiative fins are used to radiate excess heat that isgenerated by the RF broadcast away from the decoy unit to protect theelectronics from thermal damage.

In a preferred embodiment, the chassis (or sections thereof) isconstructed using radio-opaque composites. Radio-opaque compositesaccording to the present invention include a base chassis materialinfused with a radio-opaque additive such as barium sulfate, bismuthcompounds, and tungsten compounds. Base materials include polymers,glasses, ceramics, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials.

Non-limiting examples of polymers may include polycarbonates, HD- andLD-polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyvinylchlorides, polystyrenes,nylons, polytetrafuoroethylenes, thermoplastic polyurethanes,polyacrylates, polyamides, polysulfides, polysulfones, polysilicones,polysiloxanes, polyaramids, polyimides, halogenated polymers,polyacrylonitrile, carbon polymers, carbon sheets, carbon nanomaterials,and co-polymers of the above. Non-limiting examples of glass may includesilica glass, fused-silica glass, soda-lime glass, lead glass,borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, and fiberglass. Non-limitingexamples of metals and metal alloys may include aluminum, steel, nickel,copper, titanium, and zinc. Non-limiting examples of composite materialsmay include a homogenous material having fibers of a second material, afirst material coated by a second material, and combinations andpermutations of materials doped and/or coated in multiple layers havingradio-opaque functionality.

Housing

Referring to the housing, it is contemplated as within the scope of theinvention that the housing may be constructed of metal, metal alloy,polymer, ceramic, and composite materials. The housing may be a unitaryconstruction or may be assembled in a modular manner. The housing may beweather-proofed using gaskets, seals, and coating.

The housing has one or more antenna ports for attaching the externalportion of antennas, as well as external user controls, I/O ports, anoptional display screen, as well as attachment hardware for stabilizersupports.

In one embodiment, the device is folded into a compact form factor andupon deployment is manually or automatically unfolded and opened. In oneembodiment, the unit has foldable stabilizer legs, such as tripod. Inanother aspect, the legs may be articulatable and adjustable. In somepreferred embodiments the articulatable legs may be adjustable along anx-axis, or along both an x- and y-axis (up/down, side-to-side), or alongan x-, y-, and z-axis (up/down, side-to-side, rotationally).

In a non-limiting preferred embodiment, the housing dimensions are nolarger than approximately 12″ h×6″ w×6″ d, although the unit itself maybe asymmetrical. In another non-limiting embodiment, the housing is nolarger than 18″ h×9″ w×9″ d. In another non-limiting embodiment, thehousing is no larger than 24″ h×12″ w×12″ d.

In a non-limiting, preferred embodiment, the housing includes a chassisas shown in FIG. 16.

Operating Frequencies

Referring now to FIG. 17, there is a graph showing operating frequenciesof commercial cellular transmissions compared to battlefield waveforms.Mobile phones in the United States operate at different frequenciesbased on carrier, uplink/downlink, and generation. In general, 2G and 3Gcellular phones operate at 850 MHz uplink, and 1,900 MHz downlink withaverage transmission speeds of 0-5 Mbps. 4G cellular phones operatemainly at 1700 MHz uplink, and 2100 MHz downlink with averagetransmission speeds of 5-12 Mbps. To compare to military-basedoperations, we overlay these frequencies and data rates on a chartdisplaying demonstrated throughput of the various MANET waveforms ofinterest. The 4G waveforms exist in a desirable section of thetradespace with higher data rates than achieved by both legacy and MANETwaveforms, but in the same frequency range as both the SRW and WNWsystems.

Antenna

Referring to the antenna, it is contemplated as within the scope of theinvention that the antenna is selected from the group consisting of: aphase array antenna, Wire Antennas selected from a Short Dipole Antenna,a Dipole Antenna, a Half-Wave Dipole, a Broadband Dipoles, a MonopoleAntenna, a Folded Dipole Antenna, a Loop Antenna, and a CloverleafAntenna, Travelling Wave Antennas selected from a Helical Antenna, aYagi-Uda Antenna, and a Spiral Antenna, Reflector Antennas selected froma Corner Reflector, and a Parabolic Reflector (Dish Antenna), MicrostripAntennas selected from a Rectangular Microstrip (Patch) Antenna, and aPlanar Inverted-F Antenna (PIFA), Log-Periodic Antennas selected from aBow Tie Antenna, a Log-Periodic Antenna, and a Log-Periodic DipoleArray, Aperture Antennas selected from a Slot Antenna, a Cavity-BackedSlot Antenna, a Inverted-F Antenna, a Slotted Waveguide Antenna, a HornAntenna, a Vivaldi Antenna, and Other Antennas selected from a NFCAntenna, and a Fractal Antenna.

RF Components/Circuit

Referring to the RF components it is contemplated as within the scope ofthe invention that the RF components may include a clocking circuit, aduplexer, a power amplifier, a band pass filter, a mixer, a localoscillator, an intermediate frequency filter, a modulator/demodulator,digital signal processor and DSP programming, analog-to-digital (ADC)and digital-to-analog (DAC) converters, a baseband processor, a secondintermediate frequency filter, a second mixer, a second localoscillator, a low noise amplifier, a second band pass filter.

Additional optional RF components may include memory, including PROM,Flash, SDRAM,

EEPROM, DSP components, an accelerometer, a CODEC, GPS, repeatercircuit, and networking hardware and programming for communicating withother local decoy devices.

It is also contemplated that the RF components may include may includespecialized processors such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)and Application Specific Integrated Chips (ASICs).

The RF components may also include radiation hardening designs such asproviding multiple redundant logic and chip components arrayed in anon-linear spatial arrangement, and temporal latch technology withmultiple parallel redundant processes running at off-set times and usinga voting feature.

Networked Decoys

The networking aspect of the decoy system also contemplates that eachdecoy within an array or constellation may be programmed to transmit aspecific waveform or signal pattern. In one non-limiting example, thesystem may be comprised of a 1st decoy or 1st group of decoys that isbroadcasting a ground troop formation signal or signal set/waveform, a2d decoy or 2d group of decoys is broadcasting an artillery signal orsignal set/waveform, a 3d decoy or 3d group of decoys is broadcasting areconnaissance signal or signal set/waveform, and a 4th decoy or 4thgroup of decoys is broadcasting a command signal or signal set/waveform.

Decoys as Repeaters

The repeater aspect of the decoy system also contemplates that eachdecoy within an array or constellation may be programmed to receive andre-transmit a specific waveform or signal pattern. In one embodiment,the signal may be received, processed, amplified, and re-transmitted.Processing may include demodulation-remodulation using a MODEM,decompression-recompression using a CODEC, decrypted-re-encrypted, andnoise reduced using a filter or software to reduce or eliminate noisesuch as gaussian white noise, etc.

In one non-limiting example, the system may be comprised of a 1st decoyor 1st group of decoys that is broadcasting a military waveform signalor signal set/waveform, a 2d decoy or 2d group of decoys receives andre-transmits the military waveform signal or signal set/waveform.

In another non-limiting example, the battlefield decoy comprises arepeater module having programming code to receive and re-transmit aspecific waveform or signal pattern as a bent-pipe repeater withoutadditional digital signal processing.

In another non-limiting example, the battlefield decoy comprises arepeater module having programming code to receive, process, andre-transmit a specific waveform or signal pattern, wherein saidprocessing comprises demodulation-remodulation using a MODEM,decompression-recompression using a CODEC, decryption-re-encryption,noise reduction using a filter or software to reduce or eliminate noise,and amplification.

Radio Transmitter

As contemplated within the scope of the invention, a radio transmitterconsists of these basic components:

(i) A power supply circuit to transform the input electrical power tothe higher voltages needed to produce the required power output;

(ii) An electronic oscillator circuit to generate the radio frequencysignal, or carrier wave;

(iii) A modulator circuit to add the information to be transmitted tothe carrier wave produced by the oscillator, such as by using differentmodulation methods including amplitude modulation, frequency modulation,etc.;

(iv)) A radio frequency (RF) amplifier, to increase the power of thesignal, to increase the range of the radio waves; and

(v) An impedance matching (antenna tuner) circuit, to match theimpedance of the transmitter to the impedance of the antenna (or thetransmission line to the antenna), to transfer power efficiently to theantenna.

Software Defined Radio

Software-defined radio (SDR) is a radio communication system wherecomponents that have been traditionally implemented in hardware (e.g.mixers, filters, amplifiers, modulators/demodulators, detectors, etc.)are instead implemented by means of software on a computer or embeddedsystem. An SDR includes RF hardware, a Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA), andIntermediate Frequency (IF) Filter, analog-digital converter (ADC), adigital channel converter, a sampling rate converter, a Base Bandprocessing system that includes a Base Band hardware processor such as aField Programmable gate Array (FPGA), Digital Signal Processor (DSP),and/or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and a BaseBand software processor that may include a Virtual Radio Machine, one ormore algorithms, Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), andother programming modules such as those provided in the GNU Radiosoftware development toolkit (sdk) that provides signal processingblocks to implement software-defined radios and signal-processingsystems with external RF hardware to create software-defined radios.

SDR TRANSMITTER

An SDR transmitter is simply (1) an RF front-end (hardware) thatincludes an antenna, amplifier, filter, and optionally a D/A converter,coupled to (2) programming software code instructions for performingsome or all of the following functions using a processor: modem, codec,encryption, network connection, routing, graphical user interface, andoptionally ADC.

RF Generator

Referring to the programmable multi-waveform RF generator, it iscontemplated as within the scope of the invention that the theprogrammable multi-waveform RF generator is a configured to fit within asmall form factor. The RF generator described herein is used formimic'ing the signals, signal sets, or waveforms of military formations.

Multiple RF Waveforms

In a non-limiting preferred embodiment, the device is capable ofproducing up to 16 different signals simultaneously. In anotherpreferred embodiment, waveforms are collected and saved in waveformsets. Waveforms sets include the typical waveform profile of a specificmilitary formation or unit; one set per organization unit. For example,the invention includes a waveform set of frequencies for a Marineinfantry unit, or an Army squad, platoon, company, artillery battery,battalion, regiment, brigade, army special forces, or a Navy ship, taskunit, task group, task force, fleet, or Navy special forces, or AirForce flight group, squadron, wing, brigade, division, or Air Forcespecial forces.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is programmable to transmit 4waveform sets simultaneously.

In another preferred embodiment, the device allows for the waveform setsto be re-programmable to other groups of waveform sets. The programmingcan be established from local memory in the device, or it can beremotely downloaded from a network control, or custom set grouping usingboth local and remote waveform sets.

Example—4 waveform sets

In a non-limiting illustration, a decoy unit may be programmed tobroadcast 4 simultaneous waveforms: a Marine infantry waveform set, anArtillery waveform set, a Special Forces waveform set, and an Air Forcesquadron waveform set.

Specifications that are contemplated as within the scope of theinvention include an RF transmitter having a programmable and extensiblewireless channel transmitter accommodating networks of 8 to 100 radionodes operating in a frequency range of 2 MHz to 2 GHz. The transmittershould be high fidelity, broadband, have good delay and attenuationresolutions, a large dynamic range, low minimum latency, provide highisolation between radios, and emulate propagation delays of up to 1second. The transmitter should handle radio networks using multipleprotocols and waveforms, including full duplex, frequency agile, andpower adaptable radios, through a single RF port per radio. Thetransmitter should be capable of running programmed protocols withtime-varying losses, delays, multipath, Doppler, and statistical fading.It should also have a modular and scalable design that has 400 MHzinput, and 250 MHz output bandwidths over 2-2000 MHz while offering alarge transmitted receive signal dynamic range and high isolation fullduplex operation with transmit powers from 1 mW to 200 W. Thetransmitter is waveform agnostic, may handles frequency agile radios,and may be configured to transmit up to 64 time-varying, high fidelitymultipath channels. The transmitter may also establish and work in aradio network of 2-50 devices, with transmit and receive channelsreserved for digital links to external controllers.

SoC

Referring to the System on a Chip, it is contemplated as within thescope of the invention that the SoC may contain software programmingcode for receiving and transmitting battlefield waveforms, are-programming module for changing from a first waveform signature to asecond waveform signature, an RF module for controlling the RFcomponents in the RF housing. As stated, in a non-limiting preferredembodiment, the device is capable of producing up to 16 differentsignals simultaneously.

GPS

In a preferred embodiment, the unit is equipped with GPS receiver andlocation memory for recovery and re-use. Upon deployment, the unit canbe programmed to receive GPS coordinates, which are then saved tomemory. The unit may also be programmed to report it's GPS location to acentral decoy operator or decoy operation server.

Power Supply

Referring to the power supply, it is contemplated as within the scope ofthe invention that the power supply may include an electric battery toprovides the current and the voltage required for the entire period ofoperation of the RF decoy.

In a preferred embodiment, the power supply provides over 48 hours ofcontinuous decoy transmission. Optionally, the device may be configuredwith a solar trickle charge unit and the unit may be programmed totemporarily power down during re-charging of the battery, and thenre-initiate transmissions once the battery is charged.

In one preferred aspect, the preferred battery is a thermal battery thatcan be maintenance-free for a period of at least 10-15 years, beingrechargeable or replaceable afterwards. The thermal battery is activatedat the instance of the deployment by an appropriate mechanism.Alternatively, an alkaline battery, a lithium battery, NiCad battery, ahydrogen fuel cell, a polymer battery, a solar panel charged batterysystem, or a separate external battery linked to a a power chargingport, may be used instead of the thermal battery.

It is contemplated as within the scope of the invention that the powersupply unit is a DC to DC converter which accepts the voltage of thebattery (at a nominal value of 12V) and transforms it to severalregulated voltages (such as 8V, 5V, 3.3V, 1.8V, 1.2V etc).

Radiation Hardening

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a programmablebattlefield decoy that further comprises a second System on a Chip thatis configured in parallel to the (first) System on a Chip but ispositioned away from the first System on a Chip and at a differentorientation to provide RF hardening redundancy.

Software Defined Radio

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a programmablebattlefield decoy wherein the RF components are implemented in aSoftware Defined Radio (SDR) as a software module on a personal computeror as an embedded System on a Chip.

Programmable

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a programmablebattlefield decoy wherein the re-programming module for changing from afirst waveform signature to a second waveform signature is operativelyconnected to a waveform update module that is configurable by receivingupdated waveforms by direct hardware link through a update port in thehousing, or by a wireless link through a wireless transceiver.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a programmablebattlefield decoy that has a small form factor housing that is no largerin dimension than 12″×6″×6″.

Network Clocking

Clocking determines how individual decoys or entire decoy networkssample transmitted data. As streams of information are received by adecoy in a network, a clock source specifies when to sample the data.

In asynchronous networks, the clock source is derived locally, whereasin synchronous networks a central, external clock source is used.Interface clocking indicates whether the decoy uses asynchronous orsynchronous clocking. In a battlefield situation it is highly probablethat that GPS signals, which are often used for clocking, will be jammedresulting in a GPS-denied communication environment. In this situation,the decoys will need to be able to maintain successful communications.Accordingly, a clocking synchronization module is provided to allow, inone preferred embodiment, decoy networks that are designed to operate asan asynchronous network, where each decoy generates its own clocksignal, or decoys use clocks from more than one clock source. The clockswithin the network are not synchronized to a single clock source, suchas GPS. By default, decoys generate their own clock signals to send andreceive traffic.

A system clock allows the decoy to sample (or detect) and transmit databeing received and transmitted through its interfaces. Clocking enablesthe device to detect and transmit the Os and 1 s that make up digitaltraffic through the interface. Failure to detect the bits within a dataflow results in dropped traffic. Short-term fluctuations in the clocksignal are known as clock jitter. Long-term variations in the signal areknown as clock wander. Asynchronous clocking can either derive the clocksignal from the data stream or transmit the clocking signal explicitly.

Data Stream Clocking

Common in T1 links, data stream clocking occurs when separate clocksignals are not transmitted within the network. Instead, devices mustextract the clock signal from the data stream. As bits are transmittedacross the network, each bit has a time slot of 648 nanoseconds. Withina time slot, pulses are transmitted with alternating voltage peaks anddrops. The receiving device uses the period of alternating voltages todetermine the clock rate for the data stream.

Explicit Clocking Signal Transmission

Clock signals that are shared by hosts across a data link must betransmitted by one or both endpoints on the link. In a serialconnection, for example, one host operates as a clock master and theother operates as a clock slave. The clock master internally generates aclock signal that is transmitted across the data link. The clock slavereceives the clock signal and uses its period to determine when tosample data and how to transmit data across the link.

This type of clock signal controls only the connection on which it isactive and is not visible to the rest of the network. An explicit clocksignal does not control how other devices or even other interfaces onthe same device sample or transmit data.

Network Interface Controller

A network interface controller (NIC, also known as a network interfacecard, network adapter, LAN adapter or physical network interface) is acomputer hardware component that connects a computer to a network. Thenetwork controller implements the electronic circuitry required tocommunicate using a specific physical layer and data link layer standardsuch as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. This provides a base for a full networkprotocol stack, allowing communication among computers on the same localarea network (LAN) and large-scale network communications throughroutable protocols, such as Internet Protocol (IP). The NIC allowscomputers to communicate over a computer network, either by using cablesor wirelessly. The NIC is both a physical layer and data link layerdevice, as it provides physical access to a networking medium and, forIEEE 802 and similar networks, provides a low-level addressing systemthrough the use of MAC addresses that are uniquely assigned to networkinterfaces.

Example

1. Android or PC user interface

2. Supported Frequency Bands: 16 GHz Bandwidth presence (VHF, UHF, L, S,C, Ku, etc.)

3. Receiver Sensitivity: −86 dB (current configuration)

4. 56 MHz channel bandwidth, 2 channels

5. Supported waveforms: Multiple STD-CDL, BE-CDL, DDL, ANW2 data rates

6. Message Types: Video, Voice, Data, Text

7. All waveform processing resides on single Xilinx Zynq SoC

Example

1. RFSoC: Integrates data converters into Zynq UltraScale+SoC

2. 8× 12-bit 4 GSPS A/D Converters and 8× 14-bit 6 GSPS DACs

3. Uses 16% of power compared to discrete data converter designs

4. Allows for continuous spectral coverage and identification of LPIsignals in small form factor

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, oralternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systemsor applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is alsointended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

Having described embodiments for the invention herein, it is noted thatmodifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the artin light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood thatchanges may be made in the particular embodiments of the inventiondisclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention asdefined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention withthe details and particularity required by the patent laws, what isclaimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in theappended claims.

1. A battlefield decoy, comprising: (1) an RF housing with aradio-opaque chassis disposed within the RF housing; (2) a System on aChip (SOC) mounted within the radio-opaque chassis, said SOC having FPGAprogrammable logic, an application processing unit, a real-timeprocessing unit, a platform management unit, a cybersecurity unit, amemory controller connected to local DDR memory, and a peripheralcontroller connected to peripheral components; (3) software programmingcode for simultaneously transmitting a battlefield waveform signatureset of at least four (4) battlefield waveforms, said softwareprogramming code saved to local DDR memory and executable by theapplication processing unit, said battlefield waveforms saved to localDDR memory in the SOC; (4) a re-programming module for changing from afirst battlefield waveform signature set to a second battlefieldwaveform signature set contained in the SOC; (5) an RF module containedin the SOC for controlling RF components in the RF housing; (6) aspectrum manager module contained in the SOC for communicating with aspectrum manager in the network to allocate and coordinatenon-interfering battlefield communication channels; (7) a GPS-deniednetwork clocking synchronizer module contained in the SOC formaintaining network clock synchronization in a GPS-denied environment;(8) a transmission scheduler module contained in the SOC for setting aschedule of transmission start times and transmission durations; (9) anRF system mounted within the RF housing, said RF system havingcomponents selected from at least one antenna operationally connected toa duplexer, a power amplifier, a band pass filter, a mixer, a localoscillator, an intermediate frequency filter, a modulator, a basebandprocessor, a demodulator, a second intermediate frequency filter, asecond mixer, a second local oscillator, a low noise amplifier, and asecond band pass filter; (10) a network interface controller connectedto the SOC; (11) a GPS receiver with integrated GPS antenna, connectedto the SOC; and (12) a power supply.
 2. The battlefield decoy of claim1, comprising a second System on a Chip that is configured in parallelto the (first) System on a Chip but is positioned away from the firstSystem on a Chip and at a different orientation to provide RF hardeningredundancy.
 3. The battlefield decoy of claim 1, comprising wherein theRF system comprises a Software Defined Radio (SDR) as a software moduleon a personal computer or as an embedded System on a Chip.
 4. (canceled)5. The battlefield decoy of claim 1, comprising a small form factorhousing that is no larger in dimension than 14″×6″×6″.
 6. Thebattlefield decoy of claim 1, wherein said battlefield waveforms areselected from the group consisting of: (3.1) modern software definedradio (SDR) waveform, (3.2) CDL (Common Data Link), (3.3) TCDL (TacticalCDL), (3.4) Bandwidth-Efficient CDL, (3.5) Digital Data Link (DDL),(3.6) Harris Adaptive Networking Wideband (ANW2) Waveform, (3.7) HarrisAN/PRC-117G radio 30 MHz-2 GHz waveform (ANW2), (3.8) Harris AN/PRC-152Awaveform, (3.9) MAGTF CLT tMarine Air Ground Task Force Company LandingTeams), (3.10) USA BCT tUnited States Army Basic Combat Training),(3.11) Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW), (3.12) Wideband Networking Waveform(WNW), (3.13) MUOS t Mobile User Objective System) satellite waveform,(3.14) Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS),(3.15) the HAVE QUICK-I/II waveform, (3.16) UHF 300 MHz-3GHz, (3.17) VHF30 MHZ-300 MHz, (3.18) broadband Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET)waveform, (3.19) Wide Band Networking Radio Waveform (WBNR), (3.20)European Secure Software Radio (ESSOR), and (3.21) Coalition WidebandNetworking Waveform (COALWNW).
 7. The battlefield decoy of claim 1,comprising a repeater module having programming code to receive andre-transmit a specific waveform or signal pattern as a bent-piperepeater without additional digital signal processing.
 8. Thebattlefield decoy of claim 1, comprising a repeater module havingprogramming code to receive, process, and re-transmit a specificwaveform or signal pattern, wherein said processing comprisesdemodulation-remodulation using a MODEM, decompression-recompressionusing a CODEC, decryption-re-encryption, noise reduction using a filteror software to reduce or eliminate noise, and amplification.
 9. Thebattlefield decoy of claim 1, wherein the RF system comprises aduplexer, power amplifier, band pass filter, mixer, local oscillator,intermediate frequency filter, modulator, baseband processor,demodulator, second intermediate frequency filter, second mixer, secondlocal oscillator, low noise amplifier, and second band pass filter, areimplemented in the System on Chip (SOC).
 10. The battlefield decoy ofclaim 1, wherein the SoC is a Xilinx Zynq-7000 or 7000S device having asingle-core ARM Cortex™-A9 processor mated with 28 nm Artix®-7 orKintex®-7 based programmable logic, at least one 6.25 Gb/s to 12.5 Gb/stransceiver, and hardened peripherals.
 11. The battlefield decoy ofclaim 1, wherein the SoC is an MPSoC having an Application ProcessingUnit Quad Arm A53 in communication with an FPGA programmable logic chip,the FPGA programmable logic chip is in communication with a Real TimeProcessing Unit Dual Arm R5, a Platform Management Unit and a CyberSecurity Unit/Module, the FPGA programmable logic chip is also incommunication with peripheral controllers for peripherals, and withmemory controllers for multiple DDR modules.
 12. The battlefield decoyof claim 1, wherein the SoC is configured as a High IntermediateFrequency (IF) Heterodyne Receiver connected to a Direct RF Samplingreceiver having an all programmable RFSoC with a DDC connected to aRFADC, wherein a Local Oscillator (LO) feeds a signal into an RF A-Dconverter which is in communication with a bandwidth Phase Filter (BPF)and an Anti-Aliasing Filter (AAF), the BPF and AAF feed into a low noiseamplifier (LNA) which is connected to an antenna assembly.
 13. A methodfor deploying a battlefield decoy, comprising the steps: (i) selectingthe type of military formation that a user wishes to emulate from a menuhaving a selection of battlefield waveform signature sets, at least oneof said battlefield waveform signature sets comprising at least four (4)battlefield waveforms; (ii) selecting a battlefield waveform signatureset; (iii) pre-selecting an alternate battlefield waveform signature setfor fast re-programming; (iv) selecting the duration and periodicity ofsignal transmission of the battlefield waveform signature set; (v)selecting the type of desired signal characteristics including a controlchannel used for encryption and a type of encryption comprising AES/DES;and (vi) deploying the activated decoy to the field.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, performed using the battlefield decoy of claim
 1. 15. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising the step of performing a spectruminterference scan by executing software code in a spectrum managermodule contained in the SOC for communicating with a spectrum manager inthe network to allocate and coordinate non-interfering battlefieldcommunication channels.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprisingthe step of performing a GPS availability scan by executing softwarecode in a GPS-denied network clocking synchronizer module contained inthe SOC for maintaining network clock synchronization in a GPS-deniedenvironment.